Be Prepared

By: Erie Insurance |
May 8, 2012

Every Boy Scout knows the rule: Be prepared.

The same goes for protecting your home and family in case of disaster. The federal government advises focusing on survival basics: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Having home and car safety kits handy can provide peace of mind now and critical supplies later if trouble comes calling.

Car safety kits

Stranded, cold and hungry along the highway is nowhere you’d want to be. A well-stocked emergency roadside kit could help you get back on the road quickly and safely. (And if you’re stuck, at least you’ll be stuck with a snack and a warm blanket.)

Pre-assembled kits are available to purchase, but you might want to assemble your own or customize a purchased kit. Consider including:

The Basics

Cell phone and car charger, with a list of emergency numbers

Fire extinguisher

Two roadside flares

Quart of oil

Small first aid kit

Flashlight

Multipurpose tool or pocket knife

Tire pressure gauge

Tire inflator

Duct tape

Rags

Your car’s manual

Pen and paper

Help sign

The Extras

(if your car has more trunk space, or if you’re planning a long trip, add these to the mix:)

Think about the weather, too. Will you need extra water or a warm blanket? If icy roads are likely, a bag of sand or cat litter could provide traction for a stuck tire. You might also be glad to have a folding camp shovel or warm gloves and hat.

Check your kit occasionally to make sure it’s shipshape, the spare tire is inflated, batteries are charged, first-aid supplies are stocked, water is fresh and food is dry. Be familiar with how each tool works before you need to use it in an emergency. Also remember that the most important tool you have is common sense; stopping to change a tire in the fast lane is an accident waiting to happen.

Home safety kits

Services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration and telephone service, may be unavailable after a major disaster. Experts at ready.gov recommend preparing to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Ready to get prepared? Consider compiling your own home safety kit. You might want to include:

The Basics

Water, one gallon per person, per day

Non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio

Flashlight

Extra batteries

First aid kit

Cash and change in a waterproof container

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place (that means taking immediate shelter where you are– at home, work, school or in between, usually for just a few hours)

Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records, in a waterproof container

Emergency reference material such as a first aid guide (FEMA offers many free publications)

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Complete change of clothing for each person

Unscented household bleach and medicine dropper (bleach is an effective disinfectant and can also be used to treat drinking water)

Fire extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Disposable cups, plates, paper towels and utensils

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

The Maybes

Is your area prone to ice storms? Earthquakes? Floods? You may need particular tools or equipment in those cases.

Store your household kit in a large, portable, watertight container (a large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels works well). Make sure it’s accessible, and remember to maintain it, change out batteries periodically, make sure the energy bars and peanut butter haven’t gone bad, and resist the temptation to raid the spare cash.

Preparing for emergencies isn't complicated; it just takes a little planning and organization. Stop putting it off and put together some supplies. Hopefully, you’ll never need them, but if you do, you’ll be relieved you took the initiative.

Helpful resources

The “Car Maintenance” section at www.edmunds.com
The Red Cross and many retailers sell pre-assembled auto emergency kits, as well as other emergency supplies. Here are a few places to start: